Saturday, 31 August 2013

Digg, the RSS reader of Betaworks, has announced the launch of its Android application. Of course, it allows you to enjoy the "Top Stories” articles handpicked, as well as the aggregator. However, some important features still missing as display only unread content and synchronization in the background.
Following the announcement of the closure of Google Reader, Digg decided to embark on the adventure of RSS aggregators. Indeed, the company was proposing a community site or the users voted for they considered relevant or the useful content. The most interesting and or popular were then highlighted.
Digg request user feedback but do not necessarily take into account.
But before diving Digg organized several surveys to collect the opinions of Internet users, the goal was to offer a product that meets their expectations. But in practice, there is sometimes a gap: while the direct sharing by email and research streams were in high demand, they are not yet available in Digg Reader as currently proposed.

However, the company does not remain inactive and just put online a first version of its highly anticipated Android app too, obviously. Anyway, after two months of waiting, it is now available, but it sorely lacks some basic features. It is obviously possible to navigate through the “Top Stories” and in your various RSS feeds, save (via Pocket, Instapaper and Readability) and share via social networks. In addition, you can sort, add and delete files and streams.
By cons, this first version do not displays your unread content, which is unfortunate. Note that when the closure of Google Reader in early July, the site was in the same situation, but this feature is quickly arriving later, hope it will be the same here. It is not possible to change the screen orientation (portrait by default), the font size and activate the update stream in the background. This should, however, make an appearance before the announcement of the Premium model, long planned.

Wednesday, 19 June 2013

Since the announcement of the closure of Google Reader, a popular reading service and synchronize RSS feeds, candidates to succeed him have multiplied. Among them, Digg has announced that early offer an alternative, but we had not yet seen the color, while the Google service will close in less than two weeks. In a new article, the site details the first beta version of its service which will also be launched on June 26.
Limited, this first beta will target heavy users of RSS and it aims to offer a simple alternative, but functional Google Reader. Specifically, the Digg service will retrieve data from the Google and it will be available on the web and on the iPhone and iPad. The interface should be simple and clear and highlight the content; a mobile version will be available for those who do not have an iPhone. We should also find all the basic functions of a dedicated reading and flow synchronization services by including in a flow sharing section and organization records.
After this beta to be released in extremis - hope that the launch will take place without quack ... - Digg has already planned improvements for its service. An Android application is provided, additional services will be integrated as Evernote or IFTTT and most advanced sorting and filtering tools are available. Still research and notifications are planned.
Digg RSS is a paid, or rather freemium service. The basic functions will remain free, but can be a subscription that will unlock other features. Initially, however, the publisher intends to propose a viable alternative to Google Reader service. It will be hard to do while alternatives are already in place, especially since we do not know the position of the service API. Without it, Digg will never be integrated with third party software, like Reeder.